May

Andrena Sp?

Mining Bee, As the name suggests they dig tunnels to make their nests. 

Well May is underway and yesterday it was warm and sunny. This meant there was lots to see. Garden Warbler, Lesser Whitethroat, Sedge Warbler and Grasshopper Warbler all present at Whitburn Coastal Park.

Common Bistort

After Whitburn, a trip to Washington and the insects and plants took centre stage.

Dark-edged bee-fly

Now this is the type of insect I like. Easy to identify! 

Eristalsis pertinax

As with all these insects my ID may not be correct, but I'll keep trying.

Heliophilus pendulus

 

Linnet

A bit more comfortable with bird ID, but still prone to mistakes.

Long-tailed Tit

Nomada flava

A Cuckoo Bee. These lay their eggs in the hosts of others. This one is a parasite of Andrena sp. So it was helpful to see both in the same area. An expert Steven Falk, agreed it is probably the correct ID but with the warning that without a specimen (presumably for microscopic investigation or dissection) it is not possible to be certain.

Stitchwort

(Marsh Stitchwort?)

Sparrowhawk killed a Great Spotted Woodpecker. Then a Carrion Crow Stole it and carried it off. North Marine Park, South Shields.